Splinters

Yard work is such a gift. No, truly! I love getting out in the yard and raking or pulling up weeds or any of the cleanup most people find bothersome or even tedious. But before you go saying, “You should come over to my house!” Think about all the crazy wonderful things it provides you! A good sweat, first of all. A chance to rid of toxins and build up of cortisol (or stress) in the body. A chance to get a close up look at what God’s blessed you with. A physical connection to the Earth that provides natural energy. A reminder of nature and it’s seasons and how we too are in a season and how we enjoy and prepare for the next season matters! I’m also thankful merely because I know not everyone has a yard. Maybe a potted plant or two at best. Anyway, thankful thoughts. That was yesterday’s activities. However, this morning I went to read my Bible, but I couldn’t focus because there was a little, tiny, seemingly unnoticeable splinter in my thumb. I eventually had to give up my attempt at reading, put down the book, and take that splinter out of it’s happy little spot lodged under a thin layer of my skin. It was extremely uncomfortable, and took some doing. It seemed like it wasn’t going to budge, but with some persistence and pressure, it finally slipped out all at once. Now with a (somewhat unnecessary, but very cute) bandaid on my little pricked finger, I’m all good. Able to read and write and get on with my day.

It just made me think, what other “splinters” do I have in my life right now? Perhaps while I’m digging in and doing my work, I acquire a “splinter” that distracts me - maybe not in that moment of busyness, but later in the quiet moments. Enough that I can’t focus on the very Word of God.

Splinters can be anything. A nagging comment that someone made while you were at work. You dismissed it then, but now it’s occupying your thoughts. Or maybe it’s something you watched on TV or saw on a billboard, and it’s bothering you. Or maybe it’s the sugary treat you ate earlier and now you’re starting to think that wasn’t such a great idea. Whatever the splinter, it’s high time to deal with it. Don’t just ignore it and get used to it. Do the uncomfortable work of removing it. If it’s a thought, then it’s worth talking it out. Even if it seems “stupid” or “should’t matter” to you. Talk it out with a friend, or in prayer out loud with the Lord. The Bible says in James 5:16, Confess one to another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. There is So Much healing available to you, if you just confess.

Here’s my challenge to you. Ask a friend (or spouse if you’re married) if you can talk to them about Splinters. That can look like, “I have something bothering me, can I talk it out?” If you’re having a hard time focusing on reading the Word of God, or don’t find any joy in doing so, there is a good indicator of a splinter. Talk it out. Heal. And be amazed at how much better your life will be because of it.

If you don’t have someone in your life right now that you can talk to about splinters, just hit the CONTACT US button down below. We are happy to be a sounding board for you - the most important thing is that you just TALK IT OUT.

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Walking By Faith